We are closing for inventory and clean-up Dec 29 though 31 (and are closed on the statutory holiday January 1). If you need to see us, we can meet you by appointment as we are going to be in and out of the shop all week. Just drop us a line

Those who know me know that I’m not really into the trading of “stuff” on holiday occasions. HOWEVER, I am totally into giving and getting functional gifts that help make life easier, all year round.

Short story: I once got small bike lights as a gift. One might think that would be a little odd since I have access to an entire bike shop’s worth of lights if I really need them. But I really appreciated those lights and I still use them a lot. It’s one of those things that can’t hurt to have extras of, plus when you need one and you aren’t near a shop, it is invaluable to have them kicking around. Moral: don’t underestimate a cyclist’s needs even if it seems like they have everything.

Any of the following type of items usually translates into a pretty decent gift:

Something that is used regularly, especially if having extras is helpful (instead of clutter)

Something that a person didn’t know they needed until they got it

Something that a person needs or wants but wouldn’t consider buying for themselves because it feels decadent

We have a few items that might fall into this category. So if you have a cyclist in your life, hopefully these ideas might help inspire a useful gift in this season of generosity.

Lights

Lights are one of those things that every cyclist KNOWS they need but when it comes time to pick one up, often chooses the bare minimum or doesn’t want to spend too much money. But a bit more up front can get you something head and shoulders above the basic blinky. Why not splurge on safety for the cyclist in your life?

Knog Blinders. Reg $59, sale $35 ea or $60 for a pair

Lezyne Hecto Drive – $45 each of $80 for the pair

Bells

Widek bells are made in Holland by people who know what biking is all about. Having a plain old bell is the law, but having a nice bell should be!

Widek DIng Dong Bell in black or silver, $25.50

Widek Decibell XXL, $14.99

Locks

Time to upgrade that department store cable lock? Or maybe that old U lock is jamming every 3rd time it gets used… We received our entire spring shipment early so you’ll be helping us make space by buying now instead of later!

Blowout – regular $38.99, sale $32. These are the best bang for your u-lock buck!

Abus Ultra Mini – They invented the U lock! $54.99 with cable, $44.99 for just the lock.

Brooks Saddles

Everyone wants one but not everyone wants to treat themselves. These rarely go on sale but it’s so warm out, maybe it’s time for a winter exception. Let’s do 15% off for seasonal cheer purposes!

The hottest new Brooks – Cambiums starting at $152 (regular $179 and up)

The classic B17 for $124 (regularly $146)

B67 for the classic look, $144 (regular $169)

Racks and Panniers

The first day I took my backpack off and clipped a pannier to my bike, my life changed forever. For many it feels like a big leap purchase, but it’s worth every penny. Get ready to hear “I should have done this years ago” when you give the gift of panniers! 15% off Brooks or Arkel. Or our last pair of Brooks Devon for half price. Yes, 50% off. Buy a rack with your panniers and we’ll include free installation for the recipient.

The Brooks Suffolk and Norfolk. Form+Function. 15% off

All the Arkel. The best bags for touring and commuting. Made in Canada by Canadians! 15% off all bags!

The Brooks Devon Panniers: all the form plus all the function. Brooks hard sided bags with camlock fasteners licensed from Arkel. CA + UK = OK! We have one pair of these and we are blowing them out at 50% off (That’s $161 each, our regular price is $322 and suggested retail is $390 each!)

Schwalbe Marathon Tires

These tires are amazing. They roll fast, they are comfortable, and they resist punctures from annoying bits of glass, staples and other debris. But they are a bit pricey, so many of us have a hard time justifying it. Category 3 gift giving at its finest! 10% off all marathon series tires (including winter spikes)!

Summer is just around the corner and, due to popular demand from our last year’s event, Bike Locke and Downtown Bike Hounds are hosting our third bicycle giveaway, donation drive and tune-up party. Thanks to the great response (and your generous donations) we have decided to do it again. They’re all tuned up, polished and ready to be donated back out (free of charge) to new riders.

Does your child have a bike already? Bring in those kids’ bikes that have been neglected since September and we’ll give them free check-ups (due to limited resources, free checks are for kids’ bikes only!)

The Bike Locke/Bike Hounds donation drive takes place Sunday May 17 at 10am til noon in the parking lot of the Seedworks Urban Offices at 126 Catharine Street North. All available bikes will be given out a first come, first served basis.